â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Province providing funding for wheelchair accessible taxi maintenance

More people across the province with accessibility challenges will soon have better access to taxi services.

“Reducing the costs of maintaining wheel-chair accessible taxis will keep existing vehicles on the road in good condition and encourage more supply,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming.

“It will also make it easier for companies to recruit and retain drivers for these vehicles, making sure more people will have access to these specialized taxis province wide.”

Since the launch of the Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program Maintenance Rebate in January, the province has provided $2.6 million in grants to 51 taxi companies throughout BC.

That includes $20,804.94 that was given to Prince George Taxi.

The province said the funding is helping reduce the financial effects of necessary maintenance work on nearly 400 wheelchair accessible taxis.

“These rebates are clearing the financial barriers that have created a real challenge to expand access for people with disabilities,” said Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit.

“Thanks to the Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program, more people will have reliable transportation to work, to see family and friends, and to get around their communities.”

Over the next two years, the ministry will launch additional funding streams to focus on reducing the cost of operating, purchasing, and converting wheelchair-accessible taxis, as well as providing drivers training to better support the passengers who rely on them.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Darin Bain
Darin Bain
Darin is a news reporter for Vista Radio's Prince George stations. His career started in the Cariboo in 2020, working as a News Reporter in both 100 Mile House and Williams Lake before making the move to Prince George in late 2021.

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

June home sales were hot across the BC Northern Real Estate Board

Northern BC home sales were ahead of their 10-year average in June after 476 unit sales were made according to the BC Real Estate Association. That's a year-over-year spike of 11.7% when compared to the same time last year.

Kids Carnival returning to Huble Homestead this weekend

Huble Homestead is inviting families to its Kids Carnival taking place on Sunday.

More members, but not more meetings for Heritage Commission, City Council decides

Prince George City Council voted on a number of recommendations from the City's Heritage Commission at last night's (Monday) meeting.  During a regular council meeting in March, Prince George Heritage Commission Chair Dr. George Davison outlined many of the issues the Commission has been facing, such as a reduced number of meetings, and a reduction in City staff support. 

B.C’s youth watchdog says more work needs to be done, one year after report on systemic failures

One year after a report by British Columbia's Child and Youth Representative on the horrific death of an Indigenous boy in care, the province is still working on an action plan for systemic changes to children and youth social services.

City Council approves budget to replace damaged garbage truck

Prince George City Council has voted to replace a garbage truck in the city. At last night's (Monday) meeting, City Council approved a budget of $750,000 for the purchase.  According to Director of Civic Operations Blake McIntosh, this will replace a garbage truck damaged in a motor vehicle incident in May last year. 
- Advertisement -